For hundreds of years the Athos peninsula in north-eastern Greece has been inhabited only by Orthodox monks. The absence of grazing animals and largescale agriculture means that its flora and vegetation are closer to the pristine stage than anywhere else in the Mediterranean area. After introductory text on general features, vegetation, history of botanical exploration, etc., this work lists c. 1,500 species of vascular plants in the area with brief descriptions and notes on ecology, distribution, etc. About 80 per cent of the species are illustrated in a photo appendix. The book is based on extensive field work by the authors as well as surveys of relevant literature and herbarium specimens. A foreword has been provided by the Patriarch of Constantinople.